A class action lawsuit filed against Sony last year by consumers frustrated with the removal of the PS3's "Other OS" feature has been dismissed from court, reports Gamasutra. "Other OS" previously allowed for the installation of Linux and other custom operating systems on the PS3, but Sony removed the feature in a firmware update after hackers used it to develop exploits to enable game piracy and other supposedly shady activities. Among those pissed off by the move were California resident Anthony Ventura, who filed the suit, and the United States Air Force.

Ventura's filing read, "The disablement is not only a breach of the sales contract between Sony and its customers and a breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, but it is also an unfair and deceptive business practice perpetrated on millions of unsuspecting consumers."

As accurate as that may be, U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg ruled, Sony's actions weren't illegal: "As a matter of providing customer satisfaction and building loyalty, it may have been questionable," the judge concluded. "As a legal matter, however, plaintiffs have failed to allege facts or to articulate a theory on which Sony may be held liable."

Is this a loss for consumers' rights or a victory against frivolous lawsuits from butt-hurt hackers? Did you even know the Other OS feature existed? Let us know what you think in the comments or on Twitter or Facebook.